ER doc offers July 4th safety tips

Saturday

Jun 30, 2007 at 12:01 AMJun 30, 2007 at 10:11 PM

Some tips to have a safe Fourth of July

CATHY BAYER

Dr. A.J. Cummings, ER doctor at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center, offered some safety tips so he doesn’t have to see you at the hospital during the Independence Day holiday. Also, in addition to fireworks, area fireworks tents are offering safety tip handouts with every purchase. They include tips on the safe way to handle fireworks, as well as how to treat a burn. They are:

Don’t let kids light fireworks and keep children out of fireworks’ range.

Don’t try to experiment, creating what Cummings calls an "injurious cocktail" — sticking several fireworks together and lighting them all at once.

If a firework is a "dud," leave it alone and pour water on it just to be sure.

Keep a bucket of water on hand — it’ll serve several purposes. Once finished, sparklers can be put in the water to avoid injury from their heat or sharp wire. Also, if someone’s clothes catch fire, the water is readily accessible.

To treat burns:

Cool the burn or scald with cold water for at least 10 minutes.

Cut around the material sticking to the skin — don’t pull it off.

Don’t touch the burn or burst any blisters.

Cover the burn with clean, non-fluffy material to prevent infection.

Never miss a story

Choose the plan that's right for you.
Digital access or digital and print delivery.